Dennis O’Connell of North Pomfret, Vt., an International Business student at Champlain College in Burlington, conducted economic and cultural research for Lt. Governor Brian Dubie’s mission to Cuba this week. O’Connell prepared briefing packages to help prepare Dubie and other officials for the international trip.
Dubie was invited by Alimport, a Cuban government-authorized trade group, to attend a Cuban-US agricultural trade fair from April 13 – 16. He was scheduled to address the conference on the opening day. The Cuban Humanitarian Trade Act of 2001 authorizes certain sales of US agricultural and medical products to Cuba, and Cuba has released an extensive list of commodities it is interested in buying. Among them are dairy products, maple products and apples.
Dubie said, “Our goals for this trip are to establish a relationship between the people of Vermont and the people of Cuba. We hope to do that by building a framework for educational exchange, by exploring opportunities to export Vermont products for the Cuban people, and by promoting peace and dialogue between our countries.”
In a press conference last week, Dubie thanked the Champlain College student for providing briefing materials on current conditions in Cuba in preparation for the trip.
Dennis is the son of Dennis and Rosi O’Connell of North Pomfret, Vt., and he is a graduate of Woodstock Union High School.
Champlain College student supports Lt. Governor’s mission to Cuba
Submitted by tim
on